China’s Li River, or Lijiang is one of the world’s most mystical rivers and certainly amongst the most picturesque - a perennial source of inspiration for Chinese poets and painters alike. Karst Mountains rise up along its riverbanks, providing the landscape that attracts thousands of tourists annually. The ancient form of cormorant fishing is closely linked to the history of the river where fishermen fish with cormorant birds as their living tools and companions. Locals celebrate the Fishing Lantern Festival – a procession of Chinese lanterns on bamboo rafts driven by cormorant fishermen and culminate in an elaborate fireworks display.